2010-2011 Mercury Milan Tail Light Fix / Hack

I decided I'm not paying $500 for a stinking tail light for my wife's 2010 Mercury Milan so I took it apart and hacked it so the car will pass inspection in PA. It really wasn't all that hard to do and it worked!

They know this is an issue but the cut of the warranty at 150K or 10 years.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2010-2011-mercury-milan-lincoln-mkz-taillights-out-1420682852565/

2010 Mercury Milan
2011 Mercury Milan
2010 Lincoln MKZ
2011 Lincoln MKZ

I hope this helps some other folks.

UPDATE: This worked for a while but all of the LEDs that I had direct wired burned out. The side LEDs that still have their own circuit board still work. There must be a voltage reducer in the circuit board. Ultimately I fabricated an inside "lens" out of shiny sheet metal and then went to Advance Auto and bought a standard tail/brake light socket. I then cut a socket type hole in the back of the shell that allows the socket to be placed in, and turned/locked into place. I can now change the tail/brake light on that side like an old fashioned type.